29 December 2023
BELTRAMI COUNTY, Minn. — Two men have safely returned to shore after their ATV broke through the ice on Upper Red Lake on Thursday morning.
According to a release from Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, at 7:29 a.m. Thursday, dispatchers received a call from two fishermen who reported that they fell through the ice while on an ATV about 1.5 miles north of the lake’s southern shore.
The men reported that they were able to get out of the water but were stranded and couldn’t get back to the resort they came from, the release said. Emergency responders were dispatched for an ice rescue, and the resort began sending help as well.
The men arrived back at the resort at 8:05 a.m. and met with first responders. Despite being wet and cold, there were no reported injuries, the release said.
Arrangements have been made to remove the ATV from the lake as soon as the ice strengthens.
This incident comes just days after three men were rescued from the lake after breaking through the ice while attempting to return to shore on Dec. 21. On Dec. 17, 35 anglers were rescued from the lake when a large section of ice separated from shore. A small plane also broke through the ice after attempting to land on the lake on Dec. 19.
“Recent rain and prolonged above-freezing temperatures have caused ice conditions to deteriorate,” the release said. “There are many ice houses across the region that are falling through the ice that are not able to be removed because recovery teams are reporting the ice is too weak. They are hopeful with colder weather coming up they can safely remove the property.”
The Sheriff’s Office reminds those who venture on the ice to check the thickness of the ice frequently and check with area resorts before going out on the ice.
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